After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

MY THOUGHTS

Have you ever read a story that emanates a quiet strength from the very words you read? Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof has the very quality to touch you from the very first pages and hold on until the very last.

Filled with intensity in plot and characters, Sons of Blackbird Mountain brings to light so many levels of development for our multi-faceted characters. There's so much one can't seem to grasp in life, but the loyalty of family, the brewing of love and the beauty of inner strength manifest in this poignant novel. The language is beautiful, the writing, well crafted and the various message and trigger points throughout aches our very hearts. The characters, especially our gentle giant, Thor will grasp our hearts long after we close the book.

"She'd always heard him . . . because she knew how to listen."

In all, Sons of Blackbird Mountain's potency is not to be taken lightly. Be prepared to love, to grieve, but also to smile at the allure of the unspoken yet visible word.

"Tempest would still come and the waters would not always be calm, but she was beholden to this place - where body and heart knew the love. . .so sure and so strong that even the coming winds of winter seemed to fall at bay."

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

"Quotes were taken from a proof copy and therefore may differ from final release copy. To quote, please verify with release copy before use. Thank you."

JOANNE BISCHOF is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children.